BATTLING John Jackson has had cancer three times - but that isn't stopping him taking on the Bobby Moore Fund "Run for Moore" in aid of Cancer Research UK next weekend.

John, 47, from West Avenue, New Moston, is still undergoing chemotherapy treatment for his third bout of the disease. But he is determined to make it to the finish line at Heaton Park on 3 June.

John, a senior account manager, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2004 after suffering stomach cramps. He had a tumour removed and was given chemotherapy at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

He responded well to treatment but the following year, a further check revealed he had a tumour in his liver. Again the tumour was removed and he successfully underwent a further course of chemotherapy.

However, the cancer has since returned again and he is now on his fifth of 12 chemotherapy treatments at Cheadle's Alexandra Hospital.

Brave John says he feels quite lucky to still be feeling in pretty good shape despite his health setbacks.

He said: "Because I was diagnosed early and had swift treatment, I'm doing OK. I'm still feeling pretty healthy - I'm eating well, I don't even feel too tired after the chemo - and three years on I'm still here. When I was first diagnosed I sat down with my wife Linda and said: "How are we going to deal with this?" There was no point in being all doom and gloom so we just decided to get on with it and stay positive - and so far, so good."

John, who used to run 10k events and once ran a half marathon, said: "I still go the gym and swim and go on a running machine to keep fit. I'm not sure I could do 10k at the moment but Run for Moore is only 5k so I should be able to do that, even if I have to walk some of it."

He is also urging others to sign up for the Run for Moore.

John said: "Everyone knows someone who is affected by cancer and they all need treatment and drugs which are very expensive. It would be great to have a sea of red Bobby Moore t-shirts filling Heaton Park next week, all doing their bit to help."

Bobby Moore died of bowel cancer in 1993 aged just 51. His widow, Stephanie Moore MBE, set up the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK in the same year to raise awareness of bowel cancer and raise funds for research into the disease.

Despite the fact that around eight out of 10 people can be successfully treated if bowel cancer is found early, it is the most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer, with 45 people dying from the disease every day in the UK.

Anyone experiencing one or more symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits or a lump or pain in their abdomen, lasting longer than four to six weeks should visit their doctor.

To find out more about Run for Moore, sign up or download training plans visit www.runformoore.org .